This link will lead you will to a letter that is posted on our
website and has been since January. It is concerning the issue
of contaminated work clothes and the company's decision to appeal
the HRSDC's directive (given twice) for CPRail to supply a separate
change room and storage area for contaminated work clothes, particularly
for employees working on Surfacing crews in Southern Ontario where
the complaint was initially lodged. I have also attached two recent
news items concerning contaminated work clothes and their devastating
effect on our health and the health of our families. These reports
are concerned mainly with asbestos contamination yet it could be
just as easlily the contaminants you may be bringing home on your
work clothes.
At the time that the father in the article was exposing his children
to the risk that eventually led to their cancer, the companys that
were handling asbestos were arguing that it was not dangerous.
Many others believed differently and they were proven right, but
it was already too late for many.
CP Rail has argued that the contaminants that are on our clothes
do not pose a risk, though obviously HRSDC feels differently. If
CPRail is so committed to safety, then why are they taking this
risk with our health and the health of our families? HRSDC has
issued a directive, CPRail appealed it and the directive was upheld.
Now, CPRail is appealing the issue in court. Are these the actions
of someone who puts safety as the first priority in the performance
of duty?
Stay safe out there and look after your Brothers and Sisters, because
your safety is much too important to leave in the hands of management.
